Fight between Conor Benn & Chris Eubank Jr, due to take place on 8 October, has been postponed

[MenInG]

Boxing analyst and former world champion Tony Bellew writes for BBC Sport about Chris Eubank Jr's fight against Conor Benn on Saturday, 8 October at the O2 Arena in London.

Eubank and Benn fight 30 years after their fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr, faced each other in the ring.

Can massive underdog Benn deal with the weight jump? Will Eubank follow through on his retirement pledge if he loses? Can the sons live up to the legacy left by their fathers?

Imagine if Chris Eubank Jr v Conor Benn is an amazing fight? People won't be talking about Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr anymore, they'll be talking about their sons.

This is a chance for the boys to not only step out of their father's shadows - which they've spent their whole careers trying to do - it's a chance to forge their own legacy.

They won't be Nigel Benn's or Chris Eubank's son anymore. On Saturday night they can start creating their own dynasty.

I haven't got any answers about what will happen, but that's why the fight is so gripping.

'Eubank does not respect Benn's power' - Jones Jr
Fight Talk: Eubank taunts Benn with Salt Bae restaurant visit
'All the pressure on Eubank'
Eubank has backed himself into a corner with this retirement pledge he's made. He can't say something and backtrack. He is the one saying he only needs to be 60% to beat Benn. That's impossible.

A 60% Chris Eubank Jr is not winning this fight. I fully believe Benn can win the fight. Of course he can. But I don't know how good Benn is because he's undefeated. He's no idea what it's like to lose. Eubank does, he knows his limitations because they've been shown to him in his defeat.

Eubank thinks this fight will be a walk in the park on a nice summer's day. All the pressure is on him after everything he's said. He's trained himself behind the scenes - himself!

If this fight gets tough that will be his undoing. Roy Jones Jr is the greatest fighter to ever put on boxing gloves. I've never seen a better fighter. It would have been a huge advantage for Eubank to have him in his corner on fight night.

Eubank might be the one under pressure, but if Benn gets blown away it is a disaster.

His career trajectory is on such a rise, a defeat could completely derail it. And it also could have lasting effects on his confidence. My loss to then world champion Adonis Stevenson in 2013 crushed me. There's one person you can't lie to and that's yourself.

Benn genuinely thinks he can win this fight. He's not taking it for money. Benn is a star in his own right, his own man now. The kid delivers every time he fights.

'A personality clash'
Nigel Benn versus Chris Eubank is the greatest rivalry in British boxing history. I don't think there's even any debate about that. Even if Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua fight, I think they'd have to fight at least three times to come even close.


'What a fight!' Relive Benn v Eubank Sr's 1990 world title bout
It was the personality clash more than anything else.

It was the rough and ready Nigel Benn against self-styled traditional Englishman Chris Eubank - he walked around with a cane and monocle for goodness sake! You couldn't write a villain and hero any better.

Their boys clash isn't the same. It's a different time, a different era. When their fathers fought they were on terrestrial TV. They were as popular if not more popular than any footballer in the country.

The world watched when they talked, never mind fought.

My memories of their fight are rooted solely in those personalities. Of course they were great fights. The first one for the way Chris stopped Nigel and the second one for the controversial draw.

But I wanted to be like Nigel Benn - ferocious, vicious. He came from a similar background to me, a kid off the streets.

LISTEN: Eubank Sr v Benn - the fathers' fight
It was only later on I found out how hard Eubank Sr's life actually was. He could have easily become a Nigel Benn, his story is as compelling and amazing. Their stories are what stick in my mind.

It was gripping, it was enthralling. I was an angry kid who wanted to fight the world and I was almost obsessed with Benn.

I related to him, but I loved and respected Eubank Sr. And that grew with time as his career came to an end.

Their children have carried this legacy on. The first fight results are almost irrelevant now. The kids are so like their fathers.

Eubank is witty and sharp like his father, and Benn is a carbon copy of his dad - he's vicious, he can punch and his style is very like his father's. Like Nigel, Conor is at his most dangerous when he's hurt.

These two bounce off each other and they don't even know it. They're not even trying. Eubank Jr is so dry in his humour, Benn at times looks beside himself with rage whenever his chances are dismissed.

Kids born into wealth and raised in mansions don't normally have the appetite for boxing. It's the greatest compliment I can give to these two that they do.

They are diligent, well-oiled machines. Proper fighters. They love fighting. That shouldn't happen, but what's in the dog is in the pup. I couldn't have been the fighter I was if I grew up the way they did.

'I can't pick a winner'

Can Chris Eubank Jr & Conor Benn emerge from their fathers' shadows?
People keep asking me for my prediction but I can't pick a winner. I have no idea. I get excited by lots of fights, but it's very rare I'm intrigued by fights. I'm intrigued by this fight because I have no idea what's going to happen.

Is the weight cut too much for Chris Eubank Jr? Is Conor Benn too fresh? Is his work rate too high? Is Eubank just too big? Can Benn hurt Eubank? Usually I can tell you all these things because I go off the history of a fighter's career.

One thing we do know is Eubank has a chin. He inherited that from his father. We know his level at middleweight and super-middleweight.

He has two defeats, by Billy Joe Saunders and George Groves, two world champions. Benn is untested at world title level, we don't know his level. I can't make a solid prediction. I'd be lying if I did.

I can see two outcomes. One, Benn is just too youthful and he beats Eubank on points. I don't see him stopping him. If he stops Eubank, it would be the absolute shock of all time to me. Benn is a puncher with youth and speed.

Two, Eubank is just too big and gets to Benn late on. I can see Benn gaining a lead in the first six rounds, but if the size plays a factor it will be in the second half of the fight.

BBC

 

[Amjid Javed]

Eubank stoppage or points. I can see this being like the Liam williams fight where Benn will be on the canvas a few times.

i want Benn to win but it wont happen.

 

[shaz619]

Eubank stoppage or points. I can see this being like the Liam williams fight where Benn will be on the canvas a few times.

i want Benn to win but it wont happen.

There have been reports a rehydration clause is in place and this could be for either 5lb or 10lb.

I don’t think either are healthy for Eubank Jnr considering they have already agreed a catchweight of 157.

A rehydration clause of 5lb is catastrophic really and I can understand senior asking fans to boycott the fight.

With a rehydration clause of 10lb the playing field would be levelled but I’d be leaning a bit towards Conor really.

Eubank Jnr has never been subjected to rehydration clauses before or fought for the IBF world title and usually will make 160 and on fight night could weigh between 175-180.

With the clause for this fight he could weigh either 162 lb or 167 lb on fight night.

If there was no rehydration clause I’d have Eubank as a big favourite.

I don’t know what sort of cut Eubank would have gone through but he seems pretty confident to the extent that he feels he may win even if he is drained.

It will make for interesting viewing and I don’t think Conor is out of it in the sense of traditional multi jumps up in weight.

 

[Amjid Javed]

There have been reports a rehydration clause is in place and this could be for either 5lb or 10lb.

I don’t think either are healthy for Eubank Jnr considering they have already agreed a catchweight of 157.

A rehydration clause of 5lb is catastrophic really and I can understand senior asking fans to boycott the fight.

With a rehydration clause of 10lb the playing field would be levelled but I’d be leaning a bit towards Conor really.

Eubank Jnr has never been subjected to rehydration clauses before or fought for the IBF world title and usually will make 160 and on fight night could weigh between 175-180.

With the clause for this fight he could weigh either 162 lb or 167 lb on fight night.

If there was no rehydration clause I’d have Eubank as a big favourite.

I don’t know what sort of cut Eubank would have gone through but he seems pretty confident to the extent that he feels he may win even if he is drained.

It will make for interesting viewing and I don’t think Conor is out of it in the sense of traditional multi jumps up in weight.

I fully agree that the extra weight loss or rehyrdation clauses will have an effect on Eubank. But better fighters then Benn have been unable to put a dent in Eubank, hes got a good chin. Yes he wont be able to go full pelt for 12 rounds as normal but i can still see him picking off Benn who is wide open at times. The experience factor and fact Eubank has been in bettet opposition will show here.

Eubank is european / just below world level, plus hes not washed up as a fighter yet. So i can see a points win for Eubank, or even stoppage if Benn is reckless.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Social media reports on FB saying maybe Benn has failed drug test (unconfirmed at moment).

 

[shaz619]

I fully agree that the extra weight loss or rehyrdation clauses will have an effect on Eubank. But better fighters then Benn have been unable to put a dent in Eubank, hes got a good chin. Yes he wont be able to go full pelt for 12 rounds as normal but i can still see him picking off Benn who is wide open at times. The experience factor and fact Eubank has been in bettet opposition will show here.

Eubank is european / just below world level, plus hes not washed up as a fighter yet. So i can see a points win for Eubank, or even stoppage if Benn is reckless.

Eubank has some world class tools but you rightly have put him below that level given his opposition quality but the W over Degale was class. He has a great chin and would be a heavier hitter but it is difficult sometimes to factor how the weight will impact him, I think the chin would be there but some of the power would be sapped.

Benn had a non existent amateur career so he can afford to pick his opponents for now also given his age, he has shown vast improvement in recent fights when it comes to his defence and he can bang, he loves a tearup which makes him exciting to watch but if he can continue to focus on evasive movement and show discipline he is a serious 147 lb prospect. I hoped him taking this fight doesn’t stunt the progress he was making. If he fights with his head, bobs/weaves in with his jab, I can see him being awkward.

 

[shaz619]

Social media reports on FB saying maybe Benn has failed drug test (unconfirmed at moment).

Disappointing!! the substance allegedly is Clomifene :/ Jnr apparently still wants the fight to go ahead

 

[shaz619]

UKAD are an absolute joke, I don’t think they are taken seriously remotely, they almost required a government bailout.

VADA are 10x more credible, the substance which is being reported I understand is a steroid masking agent.

Hearns/Matchroom have zero integrity.

While they get one fighter to boil down with a rehydration clause the other bulks up with steds

Not sure I am as interested in this fight or if it should go ahead, deeply disappointed being a fan of Conor

 

[MenInG]

Conor Benn has returned an "adverse analytical finding for trace amounts of a fertility drug" before Saturday's fight with Chris Eubank Jr, promoters have said.

But they say he has not been suspended and remains free to fight.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Conor Benn has returned an "adverse analytical finding for trace amounts of a fertility drug" before Saturday's fight with Chris Eubank Jr, promoters have said.

But they say he has not been suspended and remains free to fight.

Disappointing when things like this happen, at least what i read on FB was confirmed. matchroom on the defensive with their statement they put out.

 

[Amjid Javed]

UKAD are an absolute joke, I don’t think they are taken seriously remotely, they almost required a government bailout.

VADA are 10x more credible, the substance which is being reported I understand is a steroid masking agent.

Hearns/Matchroom have zero integrity.

While they get one fighter to boil down with a rehydration clause the other bulks up with steds

Not sure I am as interested in this fight or if it should go ahead, deeply disappointed being a fan of Conor

Kind of puts you off wanting to watch the fight, news like this.

 

[MenInG]

The British Boxing Board has said the fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jnr cannot go ahead after Benn failed a drugs test.

 

[shaz619]

The British Boxing Board has said the fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jnr cannot go ahead after Benn failed a drugs test.

Good decision by these corrupt numpties for once

 

[shaz619]

Kind of puts you off wanting to watch the fight, news like this.

It does and it looks like the fight is off, I don’t know if it is wise to swerve the Board’s ruling, they could do under another license but not in these circumstances surely.

Conor got on the juice to face a 60% Eubank

 

[Amjid Javed]

The British Boxing Board has said the fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jnr cannot go ahead after Benn failed a drugs test.

Well done, finally the boxing board has grown a pair.

Any fighter caught juicing on or performance enhancing / weight cutting drugs etc.. should be banned for life.

 

[Amjid Javed]

It does and it looks like the fight is off, I don’t know if it is wise to swerve the Board’s ruling, they could do under another license but not in these circumstances surely.

Conor got on the juice to face a 60% Eubank

Desperate fighters do desperate things. Obe day a juiced up fighter will end up doing serious damage or killing another fighter in the ring. Shambles really.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Disappointing!! the substance allegedly is Clomifene :/ Jnr apparently still wants the fight to go ahead

Jnr just wanted a pay day.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

What happens here from a commercial pov?

Will there be fines etc?

I'd imagine a lot of people will be out of pocket.

 

[KingKhanWC]

If the fight is off, its time to move on from this family legacy fight nonsense.

Both are nowhere near Championship level but are chasing in on an old rivalry between their dads.

I dont think most boxing fans were excited to for this fight.

 

[MenInG]

Conor Benn is adamant his fight with Chris Eubank Jnr will go ahead on Saturday despite being prohibited by the British Boxing Board of Control after he failed a drug test.

Promoters Matchroom Boxing and Wasserman Boxing released a joint statement on Wednesday saying Saturday's fight at the O2 in London would go ahead despite Benn returning an "adverse analytical finding" for traces of a fertility drug.

But a statement from the British Boxing Board of Control said: "On the evening of 4th October 2022, the Board of the British Boxing Board of Control Limited resolved that the contest between Chris Eubank Jnr and Conor Benn scheduled to take place on 8th October 2022 is prohibited as it is not in the interests of Boxing. That was communicated to the Boxers and Promoters involved on the morning of 5th October 2022."

It remains unclear whether the fight will take place on Saturday but fight week media commitments began on Wednesday anyway, with both fighters taking part in a live workout at a venue in central London.

"I've not committed any violations, I've not been suspended, so as far as I'm concerned the fight is still going ahead," Benn said at the workout.

"I've signed up to every voluntary anti-doping test under the sun, throughout my whole career I'm tested, I've always come back negative, I've never had any issues before. My team will find out why there has been an initial adverse finding in my test, but as far as I'm concerned the fight is going ahead.

"I'm a clean athlete and we'll get to the bottom of this."

He has spoken directly to Eubank Jnr. "We both want the fight to go ahead, we've both taken medical and legal advice and we both want the fight to happen for the fans," he insisted.

"He fully believes, he believes in me, and it's not who I am, or what I'm about. I'm a pro athlete and he was understanding.

"We both want the fight to go ahead."

A joint statement from Matchroom and Wasserman had earlier said: "We have been made aware that a random anti-doping test for Conor Benn conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association returned an adverse analytical finding for trace amounts of a fertility drug. The B sample has yet to be tested, meaning that no rule violation has been confirmed. Indeed, Mr Benn has not been charged with any rule violation, he is not suspended, and he remains free to fight.

"Mr Benn has since passed a doping control test conducted by the UK Anti-Doping Agency, the anti-doping authority to which the British Board of Boxing Control has delegated its doping control testing for the bout. Mr Benn has passed all doping control tests conducted by UKAD.

"Both fighters have taken medical and legal advice, are aware of all relevant information, and wish to proceed with the bout this Saturday."

Different drug testing agencies have been used for this contest. The British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC), which is licensing this fight, uses the UK Anti-Doping Agency (UKAD), while the fighters and their teams also brought in the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association to conduct that additional testing regime as well.

Hearn: Benn can't be suspended by the BBBofC

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has pointed out that because the British Boxing Board of Control does not recognise VADA testing, they should not be able to suspend Benn.

Sky Sports News has contacted the British Boxing Board of Control.

Speaking on the Matchroom Youtube channel, Hearn said, "Both guys signed up to a multitude of testing for this fight. The UKAD testing which is what the BBBofC use, have all been cleared and negative, and there was an adverse finding on a VADA test previously.

"So there has not been an official doping violation, there is a process that has to be gone through," Hearn continued.

"Benn is not suspended by the BBBofC, he can't be ultimately because he's passed all the tests from UKAD.

"But clearly the BBBofC will take a position on it, we'll deal with the lawyers."

The Eubank team, however, are still willing to go through with the fight, as is Benn.

"Both camps are prepared to progress with the fight, but ultimately the conversations have to be had with the lawyers and the teams and the BBBofC," Hearn said.

"They've examined the adverse findings, they've had medical advice from experts regarding these traces, and are prepared to proceed with the bout.

"So everybody is comfortable with what they've seen. As of now, the Board are not comfortable, and we'll respect that and see where that lands."

If the main event is called off, the whole show at the O2 on Saturday is likely to be cancelled, Hearn noted.

But he added: "Currently there is no reason in terms of suspension of violations for the fight not to take place."

Former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton criticised the decision to allow Benn to fight. He wrote on Twitter: "Boxing does itself no favours. There should be no grey areas. If you fail a test you're banned and in my opinion you should be banned for life."

The pair are due to face off almost 30 years since their fathers, Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Snr, met in the rematch of their iconic rivalry.

Key questions

When will we see a B sample?

Matchroom, Benn's promoters, have pointed out that his B sample has not been tested yet and so a rule violation has not been confirmed. A clear time has not been set for when the result of that B sample test will be obtained but it is not likely to come before Saturday, the date the Eubank-Benn fight is supposed to take place.

Is VADA officially recognised? If not, what's the point of it?

It is the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association that boxers and their teams can sign up for to ensure a clean fight and a clean sport. It is widely recognised in the sport, championed by some high-profile fighters and used by key authorities in boxing, like world title sanctioning body the WBC. But boxing globally does not have one governing body and is broken up into different jurisdictions. The issue here is that it is not used by the British Boxing Board of Control and so not recognised by the body that is licensing this fight.

If both sides are indeed happy, as is being suggested, can a fight go ahead?

There are precedents in boxing for a fight to go ahead when one of the boxers has committed a doping violation. For instance the Oscar Valdez vs Robson Conceicao world title fight went ahead last year even after Valdez failed a VADA test. The difference in that instance though was the WBC, which sanctioned that world title, and the local athletic commission authorised it. The British Boxing Board of Control has prohibited this fight from taking place on Saturday.

What are the potential loopholes?

Clearly there are ongoing discussions between the teams' legal representatives and the British Boxing Board of Control, so this is a developing situation. The promoters are exploring avenues to ensure the event can go ahead under the Board's aegis.

But unlicensed boxing also does take place in the UK, for instance with Youtube personalities, and has been carried on a UK broadcast.

The authority of the Board has also been defied in the past when promoters have used other governing bodies. For instance the British Boxing Board of Control would not licence David Haye's controversial bout with Derek Chisora. The promoter of that contest used the Luxembourg Boxing Board, even though the event was held in London.

Is BBBofC decision final?

The statement was pretty unequivocal. The Board said the bout "is prohibited as it is not in the interests of boxing" which suggests there is little appetite there for them to reverse course.

But Wasserman's Kalle Sauerland, who represents Eubank, said: "They're saying they won't sanction the fight, at present." That suggests the event promoters at least think that there might some room there for the Board to change that decision or for legal action to be taken.

SKY

 

[shaz619]

What happens here from a commercial pov?

Will there be fines etc?

I'd imagine a lot of people will be out of pocket.

At the moment they are throwing everything to keep it going, a cancellation generally is catastrophic financially for all involved. Typically, when we do find ourselves in this situation there tends to be an opponent on stand by / promoters (especially good ones) will have a list.

You ask a good question because we did find ourselves in a unique situation last month where Shields/Marshall was postponed due to the Queen’s death. From what I understood the fighters were somewhat compensated and the promoter was willing to contribute partially to fans who had booked hotels, those who were hired as contractors to produce the show got nothing however.

The promoter has a contract with TV/streaming and are under pressure to deliver the fight, I would like to think they can work things out there but the venue will always charge the promoter, I would think they would have some insurance in these situations to.

 

[shaz619]

It does and it looks like the fight is off, I don’t know if it is wise to swerve the Board’s ruling, they could do under another license but not in these circumstances surely.

Conor got on the juice to face a 60% Eubank

Desperate fighters do desperate things. Obe day a juiced up fighter will end up doing serious damage or killing another fighter in the ring. Shambles really.

Wow I didn’t expect this but these amateurs have taken up on my thought, I felt they might utilise the dodgy german boxing board which sanctioned Haye/Chisora and it looks like they are exploring it. They are trying every trick to keep Benn/Conor on

 

[MenInG]

So is it happening?

 

[ElRaja]

what a farce, if found guilty after a second test benn needs to banned for a long time. waste of time for all involved, i cant believe that a drug which supposedly heightens t levels accidently got into benns system to fight someone significantly bigger than him.

i was a benn fan but this leaves a bad taste in the mouth. hope it turns out to be a technicality or whatever, but under this suspicion the fight cannot go ahead. looks like eubank sr was vindicated in his worries, whether genuine or not, abt the dangers of these mismatch fights.

 

[shaz619]

I don’t think Eubank wants to fight to be honest but is being pressured, his dad checked into the hospital a few days for mental health and he has been discharged for the fight, his dad had already been concerned with the weight and he has lost a son recently to. With all these issues combined it’s just not right Benn or an alternative opponent.

If this fight still goes ahead it will also expose the British boxing board, they have no real authority and UKAD are not a credible organisation given their corrupt activities historically.

 

[KingKhanWC]

I don’t think Eubank wants to fight to be honest but is being pressured, his dad checked into the hospital a few days for mental health and he has been discharged for the fight, his dad had already been concerned with the weight and he has lost a son recently to. With all these issues combined it’s just not right Benn or an alternative opponent.

If this fight still goes ahead it will also expose the British boxing board, they have no real authority and UKAD are not a credible organisation given their corrupt activities historically.

Chris Snr is really scared after losing one son not long ago. I agree with all you have said, Fight should be off but I see Eddie Hearne is still pushing for it because he wants the money.

 

[Amjid Javed]

So is it happening?

Both promoters are pushing for fight to go ahead because otherwise they will lose out on millions from PPV cancellations, ticket refunds, paying for venue, add to that number of people that will make claims for loss of money through travel, hotel bookings.

Imagine if a juiced up Benn knocks out a weight drained Eubank. we end up with michael watson or gerald mclleland scenario.

Niether promoter cares about boxers healths or break rules, all about money. This is todays society where money rules.

Boxing will lose even more credibility if fight goes ahead.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Wow I didn’t expect this but these amateurs have taken up on my thought, I felt they might utilise the dodgy german boxing board which sanctioned Haye/Chisora and it looks like they are exploring it. They are trying every trick to keep Benn/Conor on

Yeah that was done under luxembourg board licences in the UK.

 

[Amjid Javed]

what a farce, if found guilty after a second test benn needs to banned for a long time. waste of time for all involved, i cant believe that a drug which supposedly heightens t levels accidently got into benns system to fight someone significantly bigger than him.

i was a benn fan but this leaves a bad taste in the mouth. hope it turns out to be a technicality or whatever, but under this suspicion the fight cannot go ahead. looks like eubank sr was vindicated in his worries, whether genuine or not, abt the dangers of these mismatch fights.

The drug in question is used by steoroid users to help them come off a steoroid cycle and build up testorone. so sounds like Benn was trying to become a hulk for this fight.

its disgusting boxers do this. You have big pharm Miller do it when he was meant to fight AJ.

Also remember Lamont peterson was juiced up vs Amir khan. Khan said he was being hit with same hard shots in rounds 11 and 12 just like rounds 1 and 2 which was physically impossible. Peterson was later banned, yey khan fight result still stood.

Any fighter taking drugs should take a life time ban, you trying to gain an advantage in a sport where you could actually kill someone.

 

[ElRaja]

this is actually beyond a joke if true, whats the point of WADA if ur just gonna ignore them? and everyone knew abt if for weeks? what on earth, so they decided to bury it for some money.

no wonder eubank sr didnt want the fight.

 

[shaz619]

Chris Snr is really scared after losing one son not long ago. I agree with all you have said, Fight should be off but I see Eddie Hearne is still pushing for it because he wants the money.

Hearns is a sociopath, Don King v2, he doesn’t care an ounce for the fighters

 

[shaz619]

Yeah that was done under luxembourg board licences in the UK.

It was different with Haye/Chisora as they were banned for non-drug issues, for any respected board out there it surely has to be a stretch. If they sanction it, that’s taking the pee wee

 

[KingKhanWC]

The drug in question is used by steoroid users to help them come off a steoroid cycle and build up testorone. so sounds like Benn was trying to become a hulk for this fight.

its disgusting boxers do this. You have big pharm Miller do it when he was meant to fight AJ.

Also remember Lamont peterson was juiced up vs Amir khan. Khan said he was being hit with same hard shots in rounds 11 and 12 just like rounds 1 and 2 which was physically impossible. Peterson was later banned, yey khan fight result still stood.

Any fighter taking drugs should take a life time ban, you trying to gain an advantage in a sport where you could actually kill someone.

Well said.

Some dont understand how dangerous it is to fighters if the other is juiced up. The difference can be immense.

I wouldnt be surprised if Hearn is in the know, remember Canelo has been accused of drugs for years and since being the Hearne camp its all gone very quiet.

 

[shaz619]

this is actually beyond a joke if true, whats the point of WADA if ur just gonna ignore them? and everyone knew abt if for weeks? what on earth, so they decided to bury it for some money.

no wonder eubank sr didnt want the fight.

He is the king of U-Turns and a massive hypocrite, when it suited his narrative he was singing VADA’s praises as gospel there is plenty of video’s on social media highlighting this. The fact that they have known for weeks is even worse and leads to more questions, did the board just find out like the rest of us, surely not, Eddie maybe was hoping the drug violation would come out after the fight the sick person he is.

Conor left WBC’s clean boxing program back in Jan I raised this in the Boxing thread and was concerned, he later would come back and join it but it’s not a good look, joining and leaving perhaps based on his steroid cycle

 

[Amjid Javed]

Well said.

Some dont understand how dangerous it is to fighters if the other is juiced up. The difference can be immense.

I wouldnt be surprised if Hearn is in the know, remember Canelo has been accused of drugs for years and since being the Hearne camp its all gone very quiet.

canelo was defo on juice the 1st GGG he are jabs all night and had zero stamina. He then took loads of clen to improve his stamina and also pack on more lean muscle. You could tell from change in his body in 2nd fight all of sudden hes walking through shots.

Then he had the whole he felt tired vs bivol etc.. probably because he had no juice in him.

 

[PakLFC]

Eubank snr always dominated Nigel Benn. From that I believe Eubank's kid will win it coz like the old man he's gonna be very hard to knock down and he also appears stronger as well. Some reports are saying the fight has been called of. https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...nk-jnr-cannot-go-ahead-after-failed-drug-test

 

[KingKhanWC]

Hearns is a sociopath, Don King v2, he doesn’t care an ounce for the fighters

Reports are now, Eubank Snr has been admitted into a mental hospital.

I think the fight will go ahead, lets hope nobody esp Eubank is seriously hurt. Its bringing back earie memories of Michael Watson, how horrific it was and how Eubank suffered mentality. We cannot afford this in the great sport of boxing. As you know all it takes is one huge strike on the head and anyone can suffer serious damage. If Eubank is hurt while Benn has been taking such drugs, it could really harm British boxing , not to mention the fighter.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Fight is officially off now, thankfully.

 

[MenInG]

The fight between Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr, due to take place in London on Saturday, has been postponed.

It comes after Benn, 26, returned what promoters said was an "adverse analytical finding for trace amounts of a fertility drug".

The British Boxing Board of Control had said the bout was "prohibited and not in the interests of boxing".

Promoter Matchroom confirmed on Thursday that the fight had been postponed.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Failed test was sept 1st but Benn and matchroom are acting all shocked with news now.

 

[ElRaja]

not often the bbbc get something right, should be commended on this occasion.

 

[MenInG]

Conor Benn is a "clean athlete," says his dad Nigel.

He says he "will get to the bottom" of the failed drug test that has led to the postponement of Saturday's fight with Chris Eubank Jr.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Conor Benn is a "clean athlete," says his dad Nigel.

He says he "will get to the bottom" of the failed drug test that has led to the postponement of Saturday's fight with Chris Eubank Jr.

Nigel himself was accused during his career of PED use, some people have even suggest he did during Mccellan fight.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Daily mail now reporting Conor Benn may have failed another drugs test earlier in year for same substance. if this is true he deserves a life ban.

 

[shaz619]

Daily mail now reporting Conor Benn may have failed another drugs test earlier in year for same substance. if this is true he deserves a life ban.

Chris Eubank Snr on Conor: He is a pure young man

 

[Amjid Javed]

Chris Eubank Snr on Conor: He is a pure young man

To be fair Eubank Snr whether you like his antics or not always is respectful about what he says to others.

 

[Firebat]

Conor Benn wants 'apology' from critics as Ukad investigates failed drugs test

Conor Benn says he expects an "apology" from his critics as the investigation continues into his failed drugs test.

Benn's bout with fellow Briton Chris Eubank Jr on 8 October was called off after he tested positive for the banned substance Clomifene.

Promoters said his test returned an "adverse analytical finding for trace amounts of a fertility drug".

UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) is investigating Benn's test.

Benn said on Instagram: "I hope the apology is as loud as the disrespect."

The drugs test was administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (Vada), a third party hired by Eubank Jr and Benn to provide extra testing for their scheduled catchweight fight.

Vada are not an official partner of the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC), which adheres to Ukad's testing protocols.

However, Ukad is duty-bound to investigate the case as it is a potential anti-doping violation by a boxer licensed by BBBofC, which is under its jurisdiction.

If found guilty of an anti-doping violation, 26-year-old Benn could receive a suspension between two and four years.

Benn's B sample will also be tested and if that also comes back positive for Clomifene, he will have the opportunity to provide any relevant information which could help explain how the substance got into his system. That could mitigate any punishment.

Clomifene can be used to boost testosterone levels in men and is banned inside and outside competition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada).

Benn, who insists he is a "clean" fighter, and Eubank Jr were scheduled to meet in the ring at a catchweight of 157lb, 30 years after their fathers Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank Sr fought.

The BBBofC said the bout was "prohibited and not in the interests of boxing" a few days before the fight, which was postponed the following day.

Promoters Matchroom said the BBBofC's decision to withdraw its sanctioning was "procedurally flawed and without due process".

Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn argued that because the BBBofC does not "recognise" Vada, it had no reason to call off the fight or suspend Benn.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/boxing/63228775

 

[Firebat]

Conor Benn criticises 'unfair and biased' procedure after relinquishing boxing licence

Conor Benn has relinquished his British boxing licence and a hearing on October 21 upheld "allegations of misconduct", the British Boxing Board of Control has said.

Benn, however, has criticised the "unfair and biased" procedure from the BBBoC, and says the misconduct allegation was not in relation to a failed drugs test ahead of his cancelled clash with Chris Eubank Jr.

It was revealed just days before the scheduled catchweight fight, which was due to take place on October 8, an "adverse analytical finding for trace amounts of a fertility drug" had shown up in one of Benn's tests by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA).

The BBBoC 'prohibited' the bout against Eubank Jr, which was due to take place at The O2, stating the fight was "not in the interests of boxing".

A statement, released by the BBBoC on Wednesday, read: "Conor Benn was called by the Board of the BBBofC to attend a hearing to deal with allegations of misconduct pursuant to Rule 25.1.1. The hearing took place on 21st October 2022. On the morning of the hearing, Mr. Benn voluntarily relinquished his licence with the BBBofC.

"In accordance with its Rules and Regulations, the Board determined the allegations following the hearing at which Mr. Benn was legally represented.

"The allegations of misconduct against Mr. Benn were upheld."

But Benn released a statement later on Wednesday saying: "Conor's focus at this time is solely on clearing his name.

"The board, however, has made it extremely difficult for Conor to focus on doing that by its conduct of an unfair and biased procedure. In such circumstances, Conor decided not to renew his licence (which had lapsed). Conor told the Board that if it did not accept that his licence had lapsed, then he renounces it.

"He strongly refutes the allegation of misconduct (which for the avoidance of doubt is *not* in relation to the VADA issue) and firmly believes that an independent tribunal will reach a wholly different conclusion.

"At an appropriate time Conor will speak out on this and on the doping allegation, to the extent that he can whilst legal proceedings are ongoing. In the meantime he reiterates, in no uncertain terms, that he is a clean athlete."

https://www.skysports.com/boxing/ne...-procedure-after-relinquishing-boxing-licence

 

[Firebat]

Conor Benn has admitted he failed two voluntary drug tests in the build-up to his bout with Chris Eubank Jr.

 

[MenInG]

BREAKING! Chris Eubank Jr. activates rematch clause and will fight Liam Smith again later this year

 

[MenInG]

Liam Smith will fight Chris Eubank Jr in a rematch on 17 June at the Manchester Arena.

Liverpudlian Smith, 34, beat Eubank in January via fourth-round stoppage in a bitterly-contested middleweight fight.

Eubank, 33, sought revenge and activated the rematch clause shortly after the third loss of his career.

In the co-main event, Briton Savannah Marshall will face undisputed super-middleweight champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn.

Marshall, 31, has not fought since she lost her own grudge match against Claressa Shields in October, but has a second chance to become undisputed champion.

American Crews-Dezurn holds all four world titles in the division and the only defeat on the 35-year-old's record is by Shields in 2016.

Smith and Eubank Jr resume hostilities
When the first bout between Eubank Jr and Smith was announced, few expected it to generate the attention it did.

But a bubbling rivalry exploded in fight week as both boxers hurled unsavoury jibes at each other in a bizarre Manchester news conference.

Eubank wore a rainbow armband at the weigh-in in response to homophobic taunts from Smith, sparking a conversation about boxing and its responsibility to create an inclusive sport.

Both men were fined by the British Boxing Board of Control for their behaviour.

The fight itself was explosive, as Smith produced a blistering performance to blow Eubank away in just four rounds. The display was another fantastic win for Smith, who has accumulated four stoppage wins in a row.

Eubank was at his preferred weight, while Smith had fought most of his career at light-middleweight.

The rematch seemed an obvious choice for both men after their profiles soared, but Conor Benn almost derailed plans.

Talks were held about rescheduling their abandoned fight in Abu Dhabi this summer, but the British Boxing Board of Control's insistence they would not back Eubank fighting Benn in another country ultimately forced discussions to be abandoned.

And so Eubank returns to the scene of his worst defeat, aiming to resurrect a career that could be permanently ended by another win for the resurgent Smith.

BBC